The washing machine in Plymstock starts a spin cycle and walks across the kitchen floor like it’s late for something. Or the dishwasher in Peverell has left an inch of grey water at the bottom again. Either way you’re asking the same question: is it worth fixing? A lot of the recent noise about ‘right to repair’ makes it sound easier than it is, so it’s worth knowing what’s really changed.
In the UK the rules come from the Ecodesign regulations of 2021. Manufacturers of washing machines, dishwashers and tumble dryers have to make spare parts available for up to ten years after a model goes on sale (seven for fridges), and design them so they can be repaired with ordinary tools. The catch is that it only covers new models, so most machines already in people’s homes aren’t covered. Across the Channel the EU has gone further, with a directive applying from 31 July 2026. The UK hasn’t copied it.
So what does that mean on a Tuesday morning in Saltash? Mostly, nothing. The common faults are still the common faults: a blocked pump filter, a worn door seal, drum bearings that rumble on spin, a drain pump that’s given up, or an electronic board that’s thrown a fault code. A bearing job on a Bosch, Hotpoint or Beko is a proper job, but if the drum is sealed in a welded plastic tub, it often isn’t worth doing. We’d rather tell you that than take your money.
And that’s the honest bit people miss. Repair is only worth it when the fault is a part, not the whole machine. Our rule of thumb is simple: if the repair is less than half the cost of a decent replacement and the machine is under about ten years old, fix it.
Ace Domestics have been repairing washing machines, dishwashers, cookers and tumble dryers across Plymouth, Ivybridge and the surrounding villages for over 20 years, and they quote before any work starts. See what they cover at https://www.acedomestics-plymouth.co.uk/ or call 01752 252 780.